Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lover! 🍂 If you’re on the hunt for a cozy dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, then look no further than Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. Seriously, this recipe is like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, and your friends will definitely think you’re some kind of culinary genius after you serve it. Trust me; this creamy goodness will make you feel like a rock star.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food alert! There’s just something magical about gnocchi, isn’t there? Those little pillowy dumplings paired with rich, creamy flavors and the slight kick from sausage make this dish a must-try. If you’re a fan of fall flavors (who isn’t?), this recipe is practically a love letter to the season.

Plus, you can customize it based on what you have on hand, ensuring there’s zero food waste. And if you loved the idea but weren’t sure about butternut squash, think about it this way: you’re sneaking in veggies without even realizing it! How’s that for multitasking? 😉

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather the troops. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Gnocchi:

1 lb. of butternut squash (fresh, cooked, and mashed)
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 to 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. nutmeg (optional but very recommended)

For the Sauce:

1 lb. of Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, your call!)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup of heavy cream
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. sage or your favorite herb
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for that Insta-worthy finish! 😉

How to Make the Gnocchi

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Roast it! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half (carefully, please—no ninja moves).
Scoop out the seeds and brush a bit of olive oil on the flesh. Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender.
Let it cool before scooping the flesh into a bowl to mash it up. It should be super soft!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Mix it up! In a large bowl, combine the mashed butternut squash, ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and nutmeg. Stir until it’s a smooth mixture.
Add the flour gradually. Start with 2 cups and mix until it forms a dough. You may need a bit more for the perfect consistency. It should be soft but not sticky.
Knead it. On a floured surface, knead the dough gently for just about a minute. Smooth vibes only!

Step 3: Create the Gnocchi

Roll and cut! Divide the dough into four pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about ½ inch thick. Cut it into 1-inch pieces.
Shape them. Use a fork to create those characteristic ridges (which help hold onto all the delicious sauce, by the way).

How to Prepare the Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet, crank the heat to medium and add your sausage. Break it up as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbly.
Add the garlic when the sausage is browned, cooking for another minute.

Step 2: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a light simmer. Add the sage, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the Parmesan. Let the sauce bubble away for just a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Cooking the Gnocchi

In a pot of boiling salted water, toss in your gnocchi (be careful not to overcrowd the pot).
Once they float to the top, they’re ready to rock! This usually takes about 2-4 minutes.

Final Touch Up

Drain the gnocchi and add them directly to your sauce. Toss everything together so that beautiful creaminess covers every single piece.

Cue the major drooling 🤤

Serving Suggestions

Let’s Get Saucy!

Plate it up and sprinkle those gorgeous fresh parsley leaves or extra Parmesan on top.
Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread if you want to go all out. After all, it’s about balance, right?

Tips for the Best Gnocchi

Don’t Overmix the Dough: You want it soft and fluffy. Over-mixing can end up giving your gnocchi the texture of little bricks. No one wants to chew through a brick!
Fresh is Best: Use fresh butternut squash whenever possible. Pre-made versions just don’t have that homemade charm (or flavor!).
Adjust the Seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are different. So, do a little taste test and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs a little more love.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got a delightful, creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage recipe under your belt! How awesome is that? Next time you’re entertaining or just craving something delicious, remember this little gem.

Grab a friend, a bottle of wine, and let the cooking escapades begin! 🍷 And honestly, if you’re feeling funky, why not try adding some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the mix? Gnocchi is versatile—just like you.

So, what do you think? Will you be trying this recipe soon? Let me know how it turns out! I have full faith that you’ll impress yourself (and all your tasters) with this one. Happy cooking!